MESTECC minister Yeo Bee Yin visits MIMOS | Digital Asia

• Queries about low uptake of locally developed technology
• Incentive needed for local companies that utilise homegrown technologies

She was briefed by the agency’s senior management team led by chief executive officer Ahmad Rizan Ibrahim. Yeo was accompanied by the Ministry’s secretary-general Mohd Azhar Yahaya and key officials.

The briefing session included updates on the agency’s functions, capabilities, challenges and opportunities as well as on other organisational issues. Yeo was also briefed on MIMOS’ current and future technology undertakings.

Among other issues, the minister queried on the low uptake of locally developed technology by Malaysian companies. One solution impressed upon her was for the need to have an initiative to incentivise local industries that utilise homegrown technologies which are equally competent and cheaper than the foreign ones.

Aiming to walk the talk, Yeo hinted on the possibility of deploying MIMOS technology, such as those for public safety, in Putrajaya.

^th Malaysia Plan.

It said that MIMOS technology applications could also be used for environmental monitoring.

“Through MIMOS’ Big Data Analytics, insights could be derived from data, including crowd-sourced data (e.g. data from social media and popular apps such as Waze) which in turn would be used in building technology solutions, like one that manages public grievances on environmental issues such as open burning,” said MIMOS chief technology officer Thillai Raj Ramanathan.

MIMOS also stressed that data analytics was not the only method that could be used for environmental monitoring.  The agency has been working on other technologies for the environment such as using off-grid communication, and smart sensors, like those currently used to monitor Tasik Chini.

Ahmad Rizan said: “As the key driver of technologies in the 4IR, MIMOS is committed to support emerging technologies such as 3D-Design and Augmented Reality for Smart Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics, apart from running programmes in talent and skills development”.

Ahmad Rizan explained that MIMOS is committed to support the national agenda and to be a strategic government centre of excellence and advisory agency for 4IR towards moving Malaysia from a nation of technology consumers to technology producers.